Town Square

Permit parking only at Trader Joe parking lot

Original post made
by Lisa, Birdland,
on Dec 5, 2011

Does anyone know why the row of spots next to the street at Trader Joes is only for cars with permits? It's bad enough that lot does not have enough spots for all the businesses but who the heck has permit parking? and then us shoppers at Trader Joes will get our vehicles towed if we park next to Mama rosa. seems that parking lot is for the shopping center and any spot should be available to ANYONE shopping in any of the businesses there.
I will continue to park where it says Mama Rosa parking only-I don't remember Bakers Square having special parking.

Posted by Rosey
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 6, 2011 at 9:59 am

The parking situation in the strip mall where Trader Joe's is located had become a royal pain. With all the over-regulation that the City of Pleasanton does, it amazes me that they continue to approve business locations with inadequate parking. Trader Joe's has certainly had the opportunity to expand (i.e. fewer businesses in that center and hence less competition for the parking spaces) or to have moved across the street to Rose Pavillion or to the old Nob Hill location. Trader Joe's customers should let them know they are going to quit shopping there if they improve the parking situation; and if they don't, follow up and let you feet do your talking.

I've already stopped shopping at that Trader Joe's - parking is too hard. Between the lack of spaces and the backups caused by the metering lights to get on the highway, it is one nasty area to be in! So, Trader Joe's has lost my business.

Back in the Baker Square days, several times I was threatened by their manager that my car was going to be towed because I parked in their marked spots and went into TJ's. I told him to go ahead, that they would have to prove I was not a patron of Baker Square, and to kiss my holiday pie order goodbye. Same theory holds true for Mama Rosa's. If I go to TJ's I always park at Mama Rosas...and they should be happy, because it looks like they have patrons when there are vehicals in front. By the way...wont be long I think until MR is vacant.

I spoke to the manager at TJ's when Nob Hill became available about weather or not a move was in the future. I was told no, it was not, that corporate loved the location they were at and had no intention of leaving it. I only shop at Trader Joe's now during the week, in the morning, when there is no other alternative as a result of that conversation. I feel TJ's does not appriacte or respect the needs of their customers.

Posted by Frequent Shopper
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 6, 2011 at 11:07 am

I agree with the above comment. I've ignored the permit signs for years and have never gotten towed. The limited parking is a bigger problem, but sometimes I'm able to park in the 20 minute spot if I only have a few items on the list.
I do avoid TJ around 4:00-7:00 because the traffic situation is horrendous, but since I like many of their products better than Safeway, Lucky's, etc. brand products I plan accordingly.
I also agree that moving to the vacant Nob Hill lot is a fantastic idea, and residents should make their opinions known. Is there a place to write to corporate?

Posted by Ron
a resident of Vintage Hills Elementary School
on Dec 6, 2011 at 2:15 pm

I have not shopped at the Pleasanton TJ's in several months to notice the permit parking on the street. I too asked one of the employees if the location would move shortly after the Nob Hill location closed and was told "no, this is the original Pleasanton location and they (corporate) don't want to give it up."

Having worked in the grocery business in a previous life, I recall one of the metrics in the business was revenue per square foot. With that said, I can see why they would want to stay in the cramped, current location. On the other hand, if your parking lot situation is so bad, no one is going to want to shop there and your RSF goes down too. I guess its a fine line.If you ever have a chance and are in the area, check out the madness at the Oakland/ Lake Merritt TJ's. That parking lot is crazy, but at least they have a parking garage.

Posted by Tango
a resident of Vineyard Avenue
on Dec 6, 2011 at 3:51 pm

Go to Livermore TJ's Not really so far away. Lots more parking and fewer head aches. I can"t see how they could get a tow truck into the area around TJ's in Pleasanton. I thought TJ's should have moved to Vintage Hills. There is so much traffic in the morning and evenings that they could have plenty of customers.

Cholo...the way I see it is if you just drive around all day and use up all your gas, then your car will just stop in the parking lot and you can create a traffic jam! Does this answer your question? hope so...

Posted by sharon
a resident of Canyon Meadows
on Dec 7, 2011 at 10:21 am

I stopped going there years ago after my car door got dinged in their tiny parking spots. If TJs refuses to provide a decent parking lot, I am going to avoid them. That little shop and the tiny parking spots are just not worth it.

Posted by Tango
a resident of Vineyard Avenue
on Dec 8, 2011 at 11:23 am

Cholo Sometimes you are so off the subject that you become annoying. Maybe that is what you intend to do. Your comments aren't the least bit helpful. I know that Cholo means want to a be Mexican. Are you trying for want to be a comic also? So far I doubt you will be either.

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